As we step into 2024, the number of higher education researchers in Spain stands at 44.71. Comparing the forecasted data from 2024 to 2028, we observe a gradual decline in the number of researchers. In 2025, the figure slightly drops to 44.5, followed by 44.28 in 2026, 44.08 in 2027, and finally reaching 43.88 in 2028. Year-on-year variations show a consistent decrease of about 0.4% annually.
When considering trends over the last two years, starting in 2023, the data indicates a gradual but consistent reduction in the headcount of higher education researchers. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years shows a negative trend, highlighting an average annual decline.
Future trends to watch for include the potential impact of policy changes in educational funding, technological advancements in research methodologies, and the attractiveness of Spain as a destination for international researchers. These elements could either mitigate or exacerbate the downward trend observed in the number of higher education researchers.
